Walking up the stairs above the Civic Hotel to Ni Hao Bar, the first landing greets us with Ni Hao Bar posters. $1 oysters or $1 steamed scallops on Wednesday nights: first come first serve until sold out. Luckily for us our Ni Hao Bar summer sojourn is on that night - a Wednesday, so that's how we start. And with a cocktail of course.
Ni Hao Bar embraces a definitely 70s 80s Hong Kong nightlife vibe. So, signature cocktails are suitably named and inspired. Jackie Chan is not just a famous martial arts actor, but also the first drink of tequila, kaffir lime, lemongrass, galangal, passionfruit, chilli agave. It slips down nicely.
It's only just after 5 o'clock and Ni Hao Bar is buzzing. With a young trendy yet culturally diverse crowd. By 6pm Ni Hao Bar is packed, and noisy. Happy and excited chatter rises above the pumping dance music. Service which was initially prompt is just a tad more difficult to get but impressive enough given the number of punters.
Now for the new Ni Hao Bar summer menu. Top recommendations are the impressive Salted Egg Tofu, Salted Egg Powder, Curry Leaf, Chilli, Aoli and amazingly awesome tender Chicken Wings, Honey & Spicy Sauce. For further feasting, enjoy sharing plates of other favourite Kungpao Chicken, Chicken Thigh, Sweet & Spicy Sauce, Shallot, Cashew Nut, Curry Leaf, Chilli or fresh and light Tuna Tartare San Choy Bao, Tagarashi Dressing (Spicy), Avocado, Lime, Edamame & Seeds. Salt & Pepper Hawkesbury Squid, Hawkesbury Calamari, Chilli, Garlic, Shallot & Aioli is loaded with crisp fried batter. Unctuous skewers come as Chargrilled Pork Skewer, Pork Neck and Chargrilled Wagyu Skewer (2 Skewer) and Wagyu Intercostal, Soy & Chilli Glaze, Crushed Peanuts.
Still to be tried are Lobster Roll, Rock Lobster, Lemon & Dill Mayo, Pickled Eshallot And Watercress and Rib Eye, Rib Eye, Black Angus Marble Score MB5+ with Truffle Butter or favourite summer beef dish Steak Tartare, Waygu Flank Tartare, Puffed Rice, Quail Egg York and dessert Yuzu Tart Yuzu Curd, White Chocolate Cream - so a return January 2023 visit is needed for sure.
